A Low-complexity Approach to Decouple Dual-tuned RF Coil Elements in Multinuclear Receive Array Coils

This study proposes a novel low-complexity decoupling approach for multi-nuclei receive array coil design. Instead of using narrowband LC networks and isolation preamplifiers, a preamplifier with high input impedance can be used to decouple receive coils while maintaining most SNR. A broadband impedance matching network consist of LCC multi-tuned circuit and transformer was developed to interface the coil with a high Z preamplifier. The proposed setup has achieved more than 15dB of decoupling over a range of 25MHz. The prototype simultaneously yielded 73.6% and 91.9% of SNR at 2H and 23Na when compared to the conventional single-tuned preamplifier decoupling methods.